LIKE The New Paper, it's about excitement. Like the paper you have in your hands, it's about fun, adventure, activity.

But no need to tell that to the record 300 people setting off this Saturday on The New Paper's SUVival challenge to Pahang.

They're keenly aware that, like The New Paper, the ride will surprise.

TNP readers in a record 110 SUVs will head off the beaten track on a two-day expedition to Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, in a test of their vehicles and their wits.

So strong was the response this year that organisers had to accept 10 more that the original target of entries.

Last year saw 86 vehicles heading for Port Dickson. In 2006, when the event was launched, 50 SUVs took part.

'The TNP SUVival Challenge has grown tremendously in popularity,' said Mr Ken Jalleh Jr, TNP's Executive Editor, 'as witnessed by this year's response from readers.

'It's a wonderful kick-off to a year marking TNP's 20th Anniversary. We're grateful to our loyal readers. They've helped to make us a unique newspaper serving a great little nation.'

The New Paper events have always attracted a huge interest. The 2000 New Paper Big Walk, for example, still holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of participants at a walk.

About 77,500 people took part in that event.

For the SUVival challengers, however, it won't be all fun and games. Winners can hit pay dirt with over $25,000 worth of prizes to be given away.

The champion team will walk away with $3,000 in cash, and the first and second runners-up with $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.

For most participants, however, it's about the experience.

'It's a great adventure for us city dwellers to be thrown back into nature,' said Mrs Azizah Abdul Rahim, 52, who was looking forward to the quick getaway.

For her, the challenge is a good opportunity for 'family bonding'. She will be taking part with her husband, brother and sister-in-law.

Mrs Rahim still keeps in touch with the friends she made at last year's challenge via e-mail, and hopes to make more friends this year.

For some, the event is going to be a family affair.

The Pang family is taking with them a new member of the team for this year's challenge.

Five-month-old Veronica Pang is the youngest participant this year.

Mrs Jessica Pang, in her 30s, was three-months pregnant with Veronica during last year's challenge.

'We'll definitely have to take a lot more things with us this year because we're taking her along,' said Mrs Pang.

'She's part of our family. We didn't want to leave her at home.'

First-timer Mr Sonny Lee, 35, is also taking his three-year-old son Wayne.

'He likes the outdoors, and this is a test to see if we can take him for even longer trips in the future,' he said.

Last year's winner, Mr Eugene Toh, 29, said the Malaysian roads made the challenge 'exciting'.

'We really get to test the prowess of our vehicles. Rarely in Singapore do you get activities like these,' he said.

Bukit Tinggi has a hilly terrain which makes off-road driving more challenging than previous destinations.

Mr Magesvara T, 34, still has the car decals from last year's challenge proudly pasted on his SUV.

'We're looking forward to this year's challenge because last year's was fun and well-organised,' he said.

'Our memories from last year are still fresh,' agreed his wife.

'We're more in this for the fun than to win the competition.'

Added Mr Jalleh: 'That's really what it's all about. The SUVival Challenge is only the first of many fun events our readers can look forward to as we mark our 20th year.

'Our readers have grown up with us in many ways. But that doesn't mean they've outgrown the need to enjoy a good read, and the fun of a great event.'

Look out for more clues on the challenge in this Friday's The New Paper SUVival Challenge supplement.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Apr 22, 2008.

» Video: Preparing your SUV for SUVival